Secretariat, Taipei City Government

In order to raise Taipei’s international profile, the Taipei City Government has joined a number of important international city-level organizations. Taipei is currently an official member of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific Chapter (UCLG-ASPAC), Sister Cities International (SCI), and CityNet. Moreover, Taipei City has been regularly invited to international meetings and activities such as World Cities Summit (WCS), Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS), and Global City Network for Sustainability (G-NETS).

United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) & United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC)

Founded in 2004, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) is an organization for cities, local governments, and municipal associations throughout the world. It is the largest international organizations of local governments in the world and serves as the united voice and world advocate of democratic local self-government. UCLG promotes its values, objectives, and interests through cooperation among local governments and within the international community. UCLG has member cities in over 127 UN member states across Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Euro-Asia, the Middle East and West Asia, Latin America, and North America.

The Taipei City Government is currently an executive member of the UCLG-ASPAC as well as a council member of the UCLG. Taipei is willing and capable to continue its substantial exchanges and cooperation with the other members of the UCLG and the UCLG-ASPAC.

Sister Cities International (SCI)

Sister Cities International is a non-profit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between U.S. and international communities. Its goals are to develop municipal partnerships between U.S. cities, counties, and states and similar jurisdictions in other nations; to provide opportunities for city officials and citizens to experience and explore other cultures through long-term community partnerships; to create an atmosphere in which economic and community development can be implemented and strengthened; to stimulate environments through which communities will creatively learn, work, and solve problems together through reciprocal cultural, educational, municipal, business, professional and technical exchanges and projects; and to collaborate with organizations in the United States and other countries which share similar goals.

There are approximately 2,500 members of Sister Cities International. Taipei City has been an active participant since 2002.  

CityNet

Established in 1987, CityNet is comprised of governmental and non-governmental organizations of major cities in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as a few governmental and non-governmental organizations in Europe, under the guidance of and with the budget support of UNESCAP and UNDP.

The head office of CityNet is currently located in Seoul, Korea; four other affiliate offices are situated in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The goal of CityNet is to assist developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region via cooperation among international cities; to promote environmental protection, hygiene, and social welfare systems; and to advance infrastructural, administrative, and financial strategic plans.

Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS)

The Asia Pacific Cities Summit was founded in 1996 through the advocacy of the former Mayor of Brisbane, Jim Soorley. The Summit is held annually, with the host city alternating between Brisbane and other cities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Summit is recognized as the region's business and government forum, as it provides a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, best practices, and business opportunities among cities in the Asia-Pacific region. Taipei has been an active participant in the APCS Summit since 1997.

World Cities Summit (WCS)

The World Cities Summit (WCS) was biennially held in Singapore, along with the other host cities in between. It is an exclusive platform for government leaders and industry experts to address liveable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions, and forge new partnerships. Jointly organized by Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), key highlights of the Summit include the WCS Mayors Forum, the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, and the WCS Young Leaders Symposium. Taipei has actively participated in the WCS Summit in the past decade.